~*~

A WEEK LATER

It's been so long since I've seen this place............

The estate was left just how it was, since the passing of my big brother. However, the place was renovated and some rooms were slightly altered and changed during the past year of waiting for this. Due to my rise in the ranks, and the amount i've been paid given by my choice of the worth of missions, I had enough to have this place renovated. Lady Amane even organised to have two young gardeners to rid of the weeds and unnecessary plants that grew over time.

It took large amounts of my earnings, and efforts for this to happen.

"Lady Hayami, is this living space to your liking?" A kakushi asks me soft, as she stood before me looking rather intimidated. "We tried to have rosewood furnishings delivered here, handmade from the best from Setagaya. Your hometown."

Surprised for a moment that Lady Amane thoroughly wanted me to feel comforted, I couldn't help but smile.

"Very much," my fingertips trail along the edge of the rosewood shelve, feeling the polished finishing. "The tatami flooring is very luxurious, but too expensive..........and the scroll in the centre is beautiful."

The kakushi clasps her hands together, "That's right, Lady Amane said that a personal painter in Setagaya painted the very mountains where the shrine was......"

Though there were memories recalling that very night, all I could was look into the memories of my home. How I missed resting in mother's lap, with her fingers drifting through my hair soothingly on a late afternoon. 

Smiling faintly, I continue walking through and walked down the verandah, leading towards a seperate room. The kakushi rushes before me and opens the shoji doors, before guiding me inside the room, "This is the kitchen, as requested in your lists of things to change," The kakushi replies with an enthusiastic voice. "We made sure it wasn't too big, nor too small to fit what's best for you. Seen you'll either be on missions more over time, you'll eat less within this estate......so we have minimised a lot as your request."

Glancing over the quaint but suitable room, I smile warmly, "Thankyou very much, it's just right,"

"Also those shoji doors will lead to the living room we just came from," She adds, before we step back out and walks around the verandah to the next room.

Glancing over my shoulder to the zen garden, I've noticed extreme changes to the exterior design of the old garden I once knew. Pebbles scattered as the main ground, with a beautiful pond with beautiful Chrysanthemums in season planted in certain areas. Gravel grated in continuous lines of smooth waves and sphere like. Stone pagoda lanterns spread out  beside the stone path, to illuminate the pathway when it would be night. It was much beautiful, than how it was maintained last I was here.

Ryuji didn't really take care of his estate, and resulted in me trying to do the gardening and cleaning the majority of the time I lived with him. He was mostly at the butterfly mansion all the time, that he left his estate a mess. Not once have I seen he know how to clean, or even cook due to me cooking for him, only when he ate out. He didn't have any common decency to even take care of himself or his estate, that I took care of his messes.

Why did I allow myself to succumb in his selfishness.......?

"....and if we go here, this is where your bedroom is," The kakushi opens the shoji doors, revealing a built-in desk with a a shoji window just rest above aligning the desk. "Your room was altered to be bigger, so half is your study and the other where you lay your futon in the evening after dinner as usual......"

Glancing around the beautiful detailed room, I noticed a sword stand on a side low table to display my nichirin blade when this room is occupied. A shoji panel divider, or a screen was resting beautiful in the corner with a painting of dragon in black and grey inks. It was like soft clouds surrounding the dragon, showing how powerful and yet graceful of the beast. "This shoji divider........it's beautiful...."

My fingertips trace the oak wood edges, that was the foundation of the divider to keep it up.

"Ahhh that's what I needed to tell you!" The kakushi exclaims, with her fist hitting her palm in recollection. "This divider is actually a gift, from Ryoma Kobayashi from the swordsmith village.....he said this was actually a project he worked on for years for the Mizutsuki family and had this stored away since the massacre. He wanted to give it to you personally, in return for your efforts for saving and contributing to the Demon Slayer Corps."

Surprised even for a moment by this shoji screen panel, I felt my heart grow warm to the thoughts of my sword-smith. 

"I must thank him, somehow," I murmur to myself, before turning to the woman. "May you show me more.....?"

Her eyes widen in delight, "Yes! Right this way, Lady Hayami," gesturing to follow, turning on her heel to guide me through my estate.

~*~

LATER THAT NIGHT

Crickets chirp continuously in the middle of the night........

The warm glow of the lantern lights up my desk space, as I dip my brush into the black ink; writing a thank you letter to my sword smith. Focusing how I should speak, or even present the letter. Figuring which words to use to express my gratitude for the shoji screen, of the beautiful painted picture of my families dragon we look up to. 

Though it may be eighteen or even twenty years old just before I was born, it was still the thought coming from him.

Ryoma has been a long time sword smith to my family, long before I was born since he was in his teenage years I assume. We did have a former sword-smith, but he passed from old age and that's when Ryoma began working for the Mizutsuki family. He knew of my father, but I've never met him til I became a slayer. I was only filled in, by my father's former master. Akihiro.  Just recently committed Seppuku, once he found out that my father became a demon. Though it was unknown how my father became a demon, it was still met with dishonour to Akihiro's teachings as his master and pupil. 

It happened early on a cold Autumn's morning......

~*~

~THREE MONTHS AGO ~ AT THE WIND ESTATE ~

~Tap~Tap~

Lifting my head up I open the shoji windows above my desk, as Nami perches herself upon the window pane. Leaning over I untie the small rolled up letter around her ankle, before giving her a small scratch upon the head, "Thank you, whom is this from?" 

Recognising the small emblem of Akihiro sensei, I unroll it hastily before reading.

My heart slowly to sink as my eyes follow every word, as this wave of nauseousness overcame me suddenly. It all came slowly in waves of fear, devastation and realisation feeling my hands shaking the letter. I didn't need this now, please not now? 

Why would he do this all of a sudden? 

"He committed Seppuku............" my breath out shakily, tears roll down silently as droplets sunk into the letter.

~*~

~ PRESENT ~

Though the news was late, Akihiro-Sensei was shattered........

Seen I didn't know how to inform him about father's transformation, I was more afraid that Akihiro-sensei will act irrationally. Finally it was only about early August, I decided to inform about father siding with the demons. The news was heavy to him, that he needed some time to process it all. He was angry that I never mentioned it last year about it, but then slowly understood why.

However, he followed through as master and committed suicide......

He left me a few things from our clan, hoping that the knowledge of our family's heritage will sink into my head. To learn of the past, and understand why he believes that I could follow through as a slayer. Even he believed one day i will have to face father again, and take that mantle to slay him to hell.

Leaving me Ryujin Mizutsuki's journal, my ancestor and the first female chief......I sometimes flickered through of her past......

Finally after a while I finished writing out Ryoma's letter, and laid it to dry for a few minutes as I stared tiredly at the Shoji divider again. The estate was rather quiet, even with the water feature just outside in the garden on......I missed Sanemi's presence. He said he had a mission to take, so I was unable to go due to me moving in today. Blowing a strand of hair tiredly, my fingers tap one by one in a steady rhythm. Even if I was to live here alone, I wish to have some company every now and again.

Once my letter was dry I roll it up and placed a metal tag around, before opening my shoji window to see Nami already waiting.

"Please send to Ryoma Kobayashi, at the Swordsmith village," I spoke softly, wrapping the letter to her ankle.

With that Nami flies up to the skies into the night, as her black feather coat blends into the darkness. The cold fresh air coaxes my warm cheeks, as I lean my head against my palm with my elbow propped up. With my lip slightly puckered, I chew the inside of my cheek in deep thought finding myself thinking about how I could prepare the day I face my father. With my free hand I pull out a blank bamboo book, as I began to draw a few breathing technique moves that I've progressed over the years.

Lifting my head I soon begin to write down a few pages of teachings, that was handed down from Akihiro-sensei. 

He had a bunch of things briefly and lazily drawn the demonstrations in his book, and to add onto the issue, the book was torn and misused. Replicating some of the sketches in ink upon the paper, I found myself soaking into the information as the paint strokes finely on the bamboo sheets of paper. This sense of organisation and motivation began to finally kick in, that my mind began to wander for a few hours.

~*~

~ A WEEK LATER ~ AT THE UBUYASHIKI HOUSE ~

Bowing my head to her, "Lady Amane, thank you for inviting me here,"

The woman bows her head back in return, "Thankyou for coming," she spoke softly, her voice like silk and honey. "How has your estate been? I assume you've finally got yourself comfortable, and returned back to your missions as of late....?"

"That's correct,"

She nods in acknowledgement, "Today i wish to discuss in some matters......." her eyes met mine, feeling a sense of responsibility with what she's about to say. "We wanted to know how your handling in living alone, and most of all.......your chance to find a Tsukgoku. I know it's early to start finding one, but for future measures........a Tsugoku is probably something you might wish to search for...?"

((継つぐ子こ Tsuguko: Successor) is an exceptionally talented Demon Slayer who is designated as the apprentice of one of the Hashira))

My eyes blink a few times, "A tsugoku? I've really haven't been focusing on that," I admit, as I pick my thumb nail with my index finger anxiously. "Originally when I was meant to be a Tsugoku to my big brother, I would learn in his teachings which didn't happen. So....."

".....so you don't know how to become a teacher, I assume?" She replies, assuming from my response. "I don't expect much from you, Hayami. Being a teacher can be for some, while it cannot be easy for others. However my husband has full faith in you, that you will be able to find a successor......regardless if you know or not."

Seen I managed an estate of my own, making some yen and finally a hashira for a few years; it's time for me to step up and start searching for a successor.

"I know usually in your family you would choose a sibling, or a swordsman," She spoke up, noticing my sudden silence. "I know this will become difficult, but I'm sure you will find someone to wield the breathing the style of the dragon. I know it's a sacred breathing style, but I believe it's important to channel all of your knowledge on a pupil."

I know what she was asking of me, and understanding that finding a successor will either mean of retirement or even if I die in battle......

"I understand perfectly," my eyes flicker down, giving her a gentle nod. "It will take time, but I will hopefully find one. You deserve that at least, Lady Amane......"

She chuckles gently, "Please Hayami, I'm not asking you to die......." she lifts my chin up, as her fingertips rest beneath.  "........I just don't like seeing you living alone, because maybe having a Tsugoku will help you in many more ways than one. However your eighteen, so give yourself more time......."

Nodding in response she pull her hand away, and then passed me a letter.

"Here is your earnings from this week," She carefully placed it on the tatami floor, sliding it in front of me in a respectful manner. "Please take care of yourself, and also......has there been anything else you wish to discuss with me?"

In deep thought I began to think, before settling on something as my eyes brighten a little.

"How is Muichiro Tokito doing these days?" I ask softly, knowing he's now a Hashira at twelve years old already. I'm proud of how far he's come, but then there comes concern. "He seems to be excelling in his missions, even in reports I overhear how strong he's become...."

Her gentle stoic expression falters slight, indicating that she can also let things get to her even if she puts up a facade.

She sighs deeply as her lavender eyes flicker away, "He's......strong and healthy, but he tends to overexert his body every now and again," She admits. "He's even able to afford an estate, but I've decided to keep him for a few more months before he can move into his own estate. His health comes first obviously, but I'm grateful that you share your concerns."

With a gentle sympathetic smile, "Well I guess I could relate to him to some degree," as my fingers fiddle with my fingernails, with my eyes on her. "I did give him somewhat training, and advice to help him out. I'm not sure if he can remember, but at least he's well."

Amane nods, "He did mention you once or so very often, but then he trails off forgetting what he was gonna say........" with a dry chuckle. ".........I'm sorry, for all of you putting lives for this demon slayer corps. You fight for us, while I sit and take care of the master and do chores around--"

"Please Lady Amane, we all came to you because we trust you," I spoke up, cutting her off completely with a firm tone. "Like I've said about the swordsmith village, you and the master are the reason why we want to fight on. You both are also the foundation of the Demon Slayer corps, and without you and the master.......even without the swordsmith village.......humanity would have perish centuries ago. Don't say such things, when you've given support, the materials, patience, kindness when we least deserve it.........how can we be slayers without the Ubuyashiki Family? You're the reason, Humanity hasn't fallen..........."

Her eyes were more wide than before, as her breath shudders for a moment before swallowing thickly and maintains her composure in her usual strict and serious disposition.

"Is that how you see us? I had no idea," She muses softly, with a visible strain in her tone and body as if she's felt this way for so long. I knew of her background, as she was a priestess formerly which explains of her personality all together. She's taken everything on board, and yet carries on her duties as a wife, a mother and leading beside master. 

Then soon Sanemi comes into my mind, before I hesitate to speak out yet again. It seems so selfish even considering what I'm about to ask, as my jaw clenches.

"This may......be unrelated to our conversation, but I have wondered something," I spoke up, my voice hesitantly as if my tongue was becoming heavier as i spoke. My eyes shyly flicker up with a shade of red dusting across my cheeks, "Well.........how do you show genuine love, for someone? Like I understand family a little, and friend love.........but romantic?"

She lifts her head in interest, "Romantic? Why so suddenly?" asking as if she's taken back, not expecting this from me. "Are you in love with someone, or are you wanting to confess your feelings for a man....?"

Shaking my head, "I'm.......well, it's......I'm in a relationship with someone, and well I'm worried I might mess everything up......." my fingers begin to fiddle with the hem of my haori, anxiously and nervously while the tips of my ears become warm.

"Well, it depends on the relationship," She spoke softly, in a deep mature manner. "For example I married my husband not just because it was my duty, but I genuinely wanted to love him. Slowly I fall more in love as every day passes by, regardless of his condition. So how did you fall for this man, and why do you love him?"

Why do I love Sanemi? 

"He's seen all different sides of me, and has always been by my side heedless," I admits, reflecting on that very night we both reciprocated our love for each other. "We were close friends, but then it became more......he makes me feel safe. He accepts all my flaws, and I accept all his.........we understand each other that I can't find anyone like that. He makes me feel like I matter......"

She hums softly while acknowledging my understanding, "Perhaps, let it come natural for you," she advises attentively, her hands pressed her kimono flat over her lap in thought. "May I know whom you're with, or you wish to remain anonymous....?"

It wasn't the fact we're trying to keep it a secret, but it wouldn't make a difference unless teasing was gonna be involved.

"It's........well," a subtle pout rests on my lips, before my face flushes a little. "It's Sanemi Shinazugawa......"

She seems to be taken back for a moment, as she straightens herself more.

"Lord Shinazugawa? I'm actually not surprised, but I'm happy," She replies, with a slightly lifted tone. "So he made the move, I assume? My congratulations to you both, take your time and make sure to prioritise the difference between work and your private life. However it's not my decision to make, but yours............"

Shaking my head, "We already understand that much already, so it's okay if you lecture me a little," I assure her softly. "I'm just..........I haven't had a mother to give me advice on love, or what's to come in a relationship. Thank you for your advice, i owe you........"

"No need, I'm actually honoured to be giving advice to you," She replies, with assurance. "My prayers to you and Lord Shinazugawa, and I hope good things will come for you two."

Bowing my head to her, "Thank you Lady Amane,"

--------------------------------------------------